Before delving into the specifics of pine tar’s use and the controversies it draws in baseball, it is crucial to understand what pine tar is and its general functioning. Then we move on to its role in the world of baseball, exploring why and how it serves a purpose in the game.
Definition and General Uses
Pine tar is a sticky substance with a distinct brown-black appearance, derived from the high-temperature carbonization of pine wood in ‘tar kilns’ under regulated air supply. In its crude form, it can be thick, viscid, and semi-liquid by nature. Its historical uses point to the naval and mariner industries, where it was used as a sealant for wooden vessels, ropes, and riggings due to its water-repellent properties.